Principal

Robert Blake Academy, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6AW

29 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  2 December 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  3 November 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: Competitive salary plus benefits package

What skills and experience we're looking for

Robert Blake Academy is at a pivotal moment in its history. Serving more than 1,000 pupils in Bridgwater, Somerset, the school has a strong foundation, a committed staff team and an ambitious vision centred on high expectations, aspiration and belonging.

Having very recently joined United Learning, Robert Blake Academy is beginning an exciting new chapter. While the school has not yet achieved the outcomes its pupils deserve, improvements are firmly underway and, with the support, expertise and proven track record of the Trust, we are confident it can rapidly become a strong, community centred school.

We are now seeking an exceptional Principal to lead that journey. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a school with significant untapped potential, building a culture of excellence in teaching, behaviour and achievement while inspiring confidence across the whole community. We are looking for a leader with the vision, ambition and determination to unlock the very best in Robert Blake Academy and ensure every pupil receives the education they deserve.

United Learning is a big group of schools – with over 75,000 pupils and more than 10,000 staff – so we have the capacity to support you educationally and operationally. At the same time, we are values-led and base all that we do on good relationships. Reporting directly to the Regional Director, you will be supported both personally and professionally, benefitting from the strength of a national Group who will support your development and that of your staff and school.

We are committed to fairness, diversity and inclusion. We are currently working hard to improve representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic leaders at headship level and to raise our proportion of women leaders to match their representation in our wider workforce. Whoever you are, if you have a strong track record of improving young people’s education and a drive to do more, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

To arrange a visit to the school or for a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Michelle Dyer, Regional Director at michelle.dyer@unitedlearning.org.uk

What the school offers its staff

United Learning are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. United Learning ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Robert Blake_Principal app pack_Oct 2026.pdf - 2.91 MB (opens in new tab)

About Robert Blake Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: Up to 990 pupils
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Robert Blake Academy website
• Email address: michelle.dyer@unitedlearning.org.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/robert-blake-academy

School location

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